It is, in all attempt to avoid pitworthy content, the single most cowardly solution possible.
If embryos, even embryos almost assuredly destined for disposal, have similar rights to human infants (that is, if they’re “alive”), then it is reprehensible to fund research on continuing lines. It’s tantamount to not only using Nazi medical research, but paying Mengele for his samples. I disagree with this viewpoint, but I find it morally consistent.
If, as I believe, embryos, especially embryos that are not implanted and never will be implanted inside a woman’s uterus, do not have similar rights to born infants, and they do promise signifigant medical results, I feel the government should allow full funding.
Compromise between these two viewpoints may be impossible.
Restricting the funding to pre-existing lines accomplishes nothing but assure the financial future of whoever owns these lines.
CNN published a sadly innaccurate compormise that I felt would have worked much better. The funding would have been restricted to fertility clinic surplus (no govt. tacit support of abortion, in other words), and subject to approval by both parents for use in research.
BTW, does this funding only apply to lines that are active now, or could I start a new line with private funding, and then apply for federal funds for further research?
Oh, and Bush should really come back to the White House to give a speech unless it’s impossible to do so. Broadcasting from your vacation home is tacky. I don’t want a telecommuting president.